Nepal tags wild boar as agricultural menace to tackle farm losses
Kathmandu, Feb 24
The Nepali government has formally redeclared wild boars - except for small species that enter private farmlands - as agriculture-damaging wild animals, allowing farmers to chase away, capture, or even kill them without obtaining a permit from authorities.
Nearly two weeks after the wild rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was declared an agriculture-damaging wild animal, the wild boar has also been placed on the same list, as farmers continue to suffer heavy crop losses caused by wildlife.
By publishing a notice in the Nepal Gazette, the Ministry of Forests and Environment said the declaration will remain valid for one year from the date of publication.
The ministry said it decided to declare wild boars - except for small species that enter private farmlands, threshing grounds, and kitchen gardens across Nepal - as harmful wildlife for agriculture.
"If such wild boars enter these areas and cause damage, the owners of such land may, subject to certain conditions, chase away, drive off, capture, or kill them without obtaining a permit," the notice reads. The provision applies only to areas outside national parks, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves, conservation areas, and national forest areas, the ministry said.
The government's decision comes at a time when wild animals, including wild boars and monkeys, are causing huge crop losses, forcing many farmers to abandon cultivation.
Shrinking cultivation and expanding forest cover around abandoned land have unintentionally increased habitats for monkeys and wild boars, leading to intensified human-wildlife conflict.
The consequences of the wildlife menace are increasingly visible. Fields lie barren, production continues to fall, and younger generations are leaving villages where farming no longer guarantees survival. In some cases, humans have also been attacked, resulting in occasional fatalities.
According to the notice, if wild boars enter farmer fields and cause damage to crops or livestock, farmers may, individually or collectively, chase away, drive off, or capture them. If captured, the animal must be handed over to the concerned National Park Office, Wildlife Reserve Office, Hunting Reserve Office, Conservation Area Office, Division Forest Office, or the nearest office under their jurisdiction, and information must also be provided to the concerned ward office.
If a wild boar is killed during efforts to drive it away, it may be buried in the presence of at least one representative of the concerned local government and five local witnesses. "Information about the incident must be provided to the national park or forest office, as well as to the local ward office," the notice said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I understand the farmers' plight, declaring open season on wildlife feels like a step backwards for conservation. There must be a more balanced, long-term solution, like creating better barriers or community-managed relocation programs. The "kill if necessary" clause is concerning. 🌿
It's a sad situation all around. The article mentions younger generations leaving villages because farming isn't viable. That's the real tragedy. We need policies that support farmers AND protect wildlife, not force them into conflict. The procedure to bury the boar with witnesses seems well-thought out to prevent misuse.
Finally some sense! My uncle's farm in Uttarakhand faces this every season. Electric fences are expensive and monkeys are smart enough to bypass them. When your annual income is wiped out, you can't wait for permits from babus in offices. Immediate action is needed. Good move by Nepal.
The root cause is the shrinking cultivation and expanding forest cover mentioned here. It's a complex ecological shift. Simply allowing culling might offer short-term relief but won't solve the habitat imbalance. Need scientific wildlife management and maybe incentives for farmers to use less palatable crops on forest edges.
Human-wildlife conflict is a heartbreaking reality. My heart goes out to the farmers. The provision that it only applies outside protected areas is crucial. Hope the implementation is strict and monitored to prevent any illegal hunting inside forests. Jai Kisan. 🙏
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